Looking for a shop press

[Josh in Pa]

I am looking for a 20 ton shop press. I like the style that has seperate pump and piston, rather than a jack, only because of the gauge. Northern tool sells a torin, and it is listed at 130 lbs. Greg smith equipment on ebay, sells an Atlas that is 230 lbs. An enerpac (10x the price) is 620 lbs. I only want to buy one. Will the cheapies work, or should i keep looking? What are some USA brands that I could look at? Arcan? I have been looking used, but the only thing I have found is much bigger and more expensive than I am looking for. Thanks,
Josh
 

[Husker44A]

In my opinion. IF I were using a press a lot and have the capabilities and work of having a big heavy duty press I wouldn't skimp on a Chinese built harbor freight press. I have used and still use a USA made 60T electric/hydraulic press never had that much problems with it other then the screw on cylinder end keeps splitting. That's A LOT of power wonder why its splitting. Get what you want but you get what you pay for. If you are in a manufacturing company that can and will use a h/d press get one. But, if you are not maybe a farmer that uses a press twice a month a cheaper press will last many years if care is taken.
 

[bison]

Build one yourself, don't go for these cheap ones,..they are outright dangerous.
Build a 40 tonner, you'll be surprised what you can do with it.
 

[Dusty MI]

I found somewhere here on the net how to put a gauge on a hydraulic jack.
You have to drill a hole and tap it.

Dusty